The heavy black contours and rich, glowing color that characterize Rouault's mature work recall his apprenticeship as a painter and restorer of stained glass. Born in Paris, he studied at the Ecole-des-Beaux-Arts, eventually aligning himself with Henri Matisse and the Fauves. Rouault's subject matter often touched upon the darker side of contemporary moral and social issues but ultimately focused on religious subjects notably scenes from the Passion of Christ. Still lifes are rare in the artist's production. Typically, as in this work, the floral imagery is contained within a painted frame. Passages of shimmering color denoting blooms offer relief from the somber tones of grey and black which predominate within the composition.